Get a grip on that bowl

Sometimes I feel that a bowl needs a little help. Maybe a spout, a handle or just a little something extra. One way that I like to do it is by leaving extra material when I turn it, then removing most of it. Addition by subtraction.

That big fat lip on this bowl is now this leaf shaped handle.

I think of what I want the handle to look like, then I think about how it looks in profile, the side view.When I have it how I want, I cut off what must go. I used a bandsaw, but it could be done with hand tools. In this case it looks this way.

I use a combination of hand tools and a Dremel tool to shape the handle. Whatever works.

Grain orientation is important here. You want the long grain for strength in the handle.

6 comments so far

Thanks, Hairy!wow, gotta say, I’d never heard of this technique but you can bet I’ll be trying this in the future. I still think about your really cool ice cream scoops, and how by mounting your stock on a different axis you can achieve some great sculptural effects. I’ve got a request for some hog-scraper candlestick holders, and I’ve been putting it off because I did not feel too sure about turning separate finger-ring holders…with this technique I’m pretty sure I can turn the candlestick holders AND finger-holds from one integral piece of stock. I’ve got to wait for a chance to clear the decks, about 3 more pressing obligations, then it’s back to the lathe, front and center. Thanks for the inspiration, Hairy!

-- Einstein: "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift." I'm Poopiekat!!